Somatisation_Flashcards
What is the initial treatment for somatisation, chronic pain, or unexplained symptoms?
Primary care management with regularly scheduled visits
What should be done during regular outpatient visits for somatisation?
Acknowledge somatic symptoms, communicate with specialists, evaluate and treat diagnosable general medical diseases, limit diagnostic testing and referrals, reassure patients, explain the body’s ability to generate symptoms without disease, assess for comorbid psychiatric disorders, stop unnecessary medications
What should be done for treatment-resistant patients with somatisation?
Continue to meet regularly with the patient, discuss the case with a psychiatrist
What additional steps should be taken for treatment-resistant patients?
Meet jointly with the patient and family members, administer relaxation training, provide formal psychoeducation, prescribe antidepressants for patients with prominent comorbid symptoms of anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, or obsessive-compulsive disorder
